The 2003 Collection
After a 4-year hiatus, Micro Machines once again made it to the USA toy store shelves with these mainline "Fantasy Packs". A promotional option that includes 5 free vehicles with a riveted extra set attached was also offered. A total of 16 different collections were released in the USA and Canada for this series. The quality was less than Galoob by comparison, but many of the same castings were used as well as some new ones introduced by Hasbro. A few of the bonus backs are included below to show the rivet setup utilized. Canadian sets are identified by additional French text and the variation addition of an "Invasion Force" Micro Pack that is shown on the card-backs as opposed to the "Armored Assault" Micro Pack shown on USA sets. 4 Canadian examples are included below. Also, an error Super Trackers collection on a Police Task Force card is shown.
After a 4-year hiatus, Micro Machines once again made it to the USA toy store shelves with these mainline "Fantasy Packs". A promotional option that includes 5 free vehicles with a riveted extra set attached was also offered. A total of 16 different collections were released in the USA and Canada for this series. The quality was less than Galoob by comparison, but many of the same castings were used as well as some new ones introduced by Hasbro. A few of the bonus backs are included below to show the rivet setup utilized. Canadian sets are identified by additional French text and the variation addition of an "Invasion Force" Micro Pack that is shown on the card-backs as opposed to the "Armored Assault" Micro Pack shown on USA sets. 4 Canadian examples are included below. Also, an error Super Trackers collection on a Police Task Force card is shown.
2003 European-Only Collections
The collections released outside the USA (Europe, UK, and other countries listed on the card-backs) included different vehicles from the USA releases. However, the same 2-pack promotion was offered at least in Italy, but with 2 rivets. A total of 9 different collections were offered and all are shown on the card-back. Note: Bunker Blasters and Sea Strikers appear to be extremely rare releases with only a handful known. 2 errors have been found from this series where "Fuel Injected" and "Phunky Freestylers" are swapped on the respective cards.
The collections released outside the USA (Europe, UK, and other countries listed on the card-backs) included different vehicles from the USA releases. However, the same 2-pack promotion was offered at least in Italy, but with 2 rivets. A total of 9 different collections were offered and all are shown on the card-back. Note: Bunker Blasters and Sea Strikers appear to be extremely rare releases with only a handful known. 2 errors have been found from this series where "Fuel Injected" and "Phunky Freestylers" are swapped on the respective cards.
2003 Micro Pack Collections
A new type of option never offered before was made available in 2003. Single-vehicle & figure Micro Packs were meant for an inexpensive choice to give the brand more exposure and provide an option at low cost retailers like dollar stores in the USA. Previous options similar to this included at least 2 vehicles or more figures. Canadian versions have French text on the cards. At least 5 different collections were available in Italy as well with unique vehicles.The Italian versions are inexpensive currently, but as collectors come to realize that the vehicles are unique, it may become difficult and expensive to obtain them. Increases in price and reduced offerings has already impacted the USA and Canadian versions.
A new type of option never offered before was made available in 2003. Single-vehicle & figure Micro Packs were meant for an inexpensive choice to give the brand more exposure and provide an option at low cost retailers like dollar stores in the USA. Previous options similar to this included at least 2 vehicles or more figures. Canadian versions have French text on the cards. At least 5 different collections were available in Italy as well with unique vehicles.The Italian versions are inexpensive currently, but as collectors come to realize that the vehicles are unique, it may become difficult and expensive to obtain them. Increases in price and reduced offerings has already impacted the USA and Canadian versions.
2003 Tiny Tin Collections
Another novel release by Hasbro for the Micro Machines line were these 2-vehicle packs with a collectible tin. Unfortunately, they were not released in the USA making them difficult to find.
Another novel release by Hasbro for the Micro Machines line were these 2-vehicle packs with a collectible tin. Unfortunately, they were not released in the USA making them difficult to find.
2003 Carabinieri Collections (Italy Only)
The Carabinieri series was released again in 2003 with the same vehicles as in 1999/2000, but as a flat pack style. While the vehicles are fairly easy to find for this series, this packaging style can be difficult to locate and was only released in the Italian market.
The Carabinieri series was released again in 2003 with the same vehicles as in 1999/2000, but as a flat pack style. While the vehicles are fairly easy to find for this series, this packaging style can be difficult to locate and was only released in the Italian market.